Aorta clinic

Aorta clinic

Patients with aortic disease, particularly aneurysms, need very complex treatment. Since 2008 the UZ Brussel Centre for Cardiovascular Diseases has therefore had a separate Aorta Clinic. Depending on the morphology or shape of the aneurysm, the treatment will be provided by a cardiac surgeon or a vascular surgeon. In a number of cases, combined treatment (involving both a cardiac surgeon and a vascular surgeon) is needed. In the Aorta Clinic the vascular surgeon and cardiac surgeon therefore often hold their consultations together in the same place.

An arterial dissection also often requires a specialist approach and this is followed up in the Aorta clinic. An arterial dissection is a condition in which the inside wall of the aorta is damaged in such a way that blood enters through a tear and accumulates between the inside and outside walls.

Endovascular treatment of an aneurysm or arterial dissection

The endovascular treatment of an aneurysm or arterial dissection has developed hugely in recent decades. By placing a stent (or endograft), it is possible to avoid having to cut the patient open.

Whether an aneurysm or arterial dissection can be treated using the endovascular technique depends on a number of factors. It is necessary to take into account:

  • In the case of an aneurysm: the shape of the aneurysm
  • The degree of urgency
  • The diameter of the arteries in the groin
  • The patient’s age and weight

Leading centre for EndoVascular Aneurysm Repair (EVAR)

Due to its extensive expertise in endovascular treatment of aneurysms the UZ Brussel Centre for Cardiovascular Diseases is one of the few centres that is allowed to place these expensive stents. Increasingly complex aneurysms can also be treated using an endovascular approach (for example including aneurysms that involve major side branches in the aneurysm sac). The UZ Brussel Aorta Clinic therefore receives a large number of referrals from centres in the surrounding area.

Genetic screening

Family members of patients with an aneurysm are eligible for genetic screening. Some conditions are associated with aneurysms, such as Marfan syndrome and Ehler-Danlos syndrome.